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Madi Mendoza just wrapped up her sophomore season as the starting shortstop for UTEP, where she’s known for her elite defense, nonstop energy, and undeniable presence on the field. But her path has been anything but easy.
In this open and honest conversation, Madi reflects on the growth she's made as a player and person — from battling early struggles with hitting to earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. She shares how living on a couch her freshman year, missing her mom, and adjusting to the speed of D1 softball tested her limits but also revealed her resilience.
She dives into the decision to enter the transfer portal, why she's seeking a new softball environment, and the inner drive that fuels her — especially her desire to make her mom and grandma proud. She opens up about her mental approach, leadership on the field, love for the grind, and even her Air Force aspirations.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, struggled to find your place, or wondered what it really takes to level up — this episode will hit home. Madi doesn’t just talk about the game. She lives it.

Instagram: madi.mendoza8
Facebook: MadRai Mendoza
Tik Tok: mad.money08

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

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Brooke Denton is a 2026 middle infield prospect from Centennial High School in Peoria, Arizona — and her sights are set firmly on Division 1 softball. Driven, disciplined, and fiercely competitive, Brooke shares her journey of becoming the player she is today.

Growing up in a family where sports were a way of life, Brooke was surrounded by role models who taught her the value of hard work and persistence. From playing multiple sports to finding her true passion in softball, she reflects on what pushed her to stand out — including the bold decision to switch to left-handed hitting mid-career to take full advantage of her speed.

In this inspiring conversation, Brooke opens up about battling doubt, blocking out critics, and betting on herself — even when others said it couldn’t be done. She talks about how mentorship, family support, and relentless work ethic have shaped her approach on and off the field. From leadership lessons to mental toughness, Brooke’s story is about more than softball — it’s about resilience, belief, and loving the grind.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, Brooke offers valuable insights on chasing dreams with clarity, confidence, and heart.

X: Brooke9Denton 
Instagram: brookedentonsoftball
SR:  https://my.sportsrecruits.com/activity/everyone/all

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

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Mandy Gardner, the dynamic head coach now leading Miami (OH) softball into a bold new era, shares her journey from elite pitcher to respected D1 leader. Raised in a Southern California sports powerhouse family — her dad coached NBA players like Klay Thompson and James Harden — Mandy’s story is packed with purpose, passion, and persistence.

She opens up about her path through top-level travel ball, an early commitment to Michigan, her transfer to Maryland, and how those experiences shaped her coaching style. Mandy also reflects on the mentors who impacted her most — from Olympic athletes to coaching legends like Tony Bennett — and how her faith and family continue to guide her leadership.

Now in her first year at Miami, she talks about the challenge and reward of building a new culture from the ground up, why she values character over numbers, and what it means to truly connect with her players. Honest, energetic, and full of insight, Mandy offers a masterclass in leadership — on and off the field.

Twitter- mandygardner24

Website for our team: https://miamiredhawks.com/sports/softball
 

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

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With over three decades at the helm of Arizona softball and a record that includes 1,674 wins, 8 national championships, and Olympic gold, Coach Candrea’s legacy is undeniable — but his impact goes far beyond stats and trophies.

In this heartfelt and revealing conversation, Mike reflects on his journey from a junior college baseball coach to becoming one of the most respected figures in softball history. He shares how the game taught him to value connection over control, the player over the playbook, and growth over glory.

Digging into the emotional side of coaching — how to lead with empathy, how to prepare athletes for pressure, and how today’s game challenges both players and mentors in new ways. From changing the culture of the sport to mentoring the next generation, Coach Candrea opens up about the lessons that truly matter — on and off the field.

This episode is not just for softball fans, but for anyone who believes in the power of leadership, resilience, and lifelong learning.


Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

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Former college standout Natalie Castro has taken her hustle from the softball field to the business world as manager of Underground Bats. She shares her journey from slapping singles to running a nationwide sales team. Natalie talks about competitive pricing, connecting with customers, staying neutral in a political softball world, and what it means to truly give back to the game.

If you're into softball, small business, or just love a great underdog story—this one’s for you.

Who are we?

We are a small, local business driven by our community. We are an authorized reseller and offer the best selection of softball and baseball equipment including; Easton, Wilson, DeMarini, Rawlings, and Louisville Slugger. We have competitive pricing as well as an abundance of product knowledge. Besides equipment, we also offer team gear such as uniforms, bags, tanner tees, balls, bownets, etc. 

Looking to purchase?

Contact our manager:

Natalie Castro @ 480-745-0208 or [email protected]

IG: @ Undergroundbats

FB: @ Undergroundbats

X: @ Undergroundbats

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

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Former college and pro baseball player Tony Gilio shares the story behind Operation Player Assist, a platform designed to help athletes and families handle the rising costs of youth sports. From building a backyard batting tunnel to coaching D1 athletes (his own kids), Tony dives into parenting, coaching, fundraising, and why access to sports is more important now than ever.
Whether you're a coach, a parent, or a player navigating the travel ball world—this conversation will hit home.

Website: https://www.operationplayerassist.com/
Number: 708-261-5729 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574836882851
Twitter: @OpPlayerAssist
Instagram: @operation_player_assist
https://meetings.hubspot.com/tgilio

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

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Lauren Watts, current pitching coach at Southern Illinois and former Adelphi University standout, shares her journey from small-town Alabama to the college coaching world. She opens up about managing a young pitching staff, navigating pressure in high-stakes games, and the mindset needed to grow as both an athlete and a coach.

She dives into how tech like Rapsodo has changed the game, why it’s crucial to coach based on motor preferences, and what it really takes to build confidence in players. This episode is packed with real talk, coaching gems, and a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of softball.

Twitter:  @LaurinWatts
Website   https://siusalukis.com/sports/softball 

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

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Andrew Rich, the head coach of the Idaho State softball team, has led the program to new levels of success since taking over in 2021. Under his leadership, the Bengals have captured a regular season title and he has been recognized as Big Sky Coach of the Year.
Discussing his coaching journey, the program's recent accomplishments, his leadership style and the competitive culture he is building at the university. A close look at what it takes to build a successful team on and off the field.

Twitter: @Drew_Rich1221

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

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 Anise Romo, a standout college athlete balancing her softball career with a demanding mechanical engineering degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. They discuss discipline, leadership, and how to stay on top both on and off the field. 

Instagram: @anise.romo

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #playermindset #coach

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Erin White, founder and head coach of Gear Up Catching, shares her background in catcher development and her focus on holistic athlete development. She talks about the evolution of softball, the importance of physical and mental preparation for players, and how she has turned her passion into a successful business. She also reflects on the softball industry, the dynamics between coaches and athletes, and the challenges of balancing personal growth with competitiveness in the sport.

Website:  www.gearupcatching.com
Gear Up Catching Instagram:   @gearupcatching
Gear Up Coach Academy Instagram:  @gearup_coachacademy

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach